Question 1

What are shellac nails?

Accepted Answer

Shellac nails are a hybrid nail polish system developed by CND that combines regular nail polish with gel polish. They cure under a UV or LED lamp, last 2 to 4 weeks without chipping, and are removed by soaking in acetone. Unlike acrylics or gel extensions, shellac does not add length or thickness.

Question 2

What are gel nails?

Accepted Answer

Gel nails use a gel formula that hardens under a UV or LED lamp. They can be applied as a polish over your natural nail or as a gel extension to add length. Gel nails are flexible, glossy, and chip-resistant. Most gel manicures last 2 to 3 weeks.

Question 3

What are acrylic nails?

Accepted Answer

Acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a paste that is shaped onto the nail and hardens in air. They are used to extend nail length and add strength. Acrylics are durable and typically last 2 to 3 weeks before needing a fill.

Question 4

What are dip powder nails?

Accepted Answer

Dip powder nails (also called SNS nails) use a resin adhesive and a colored acrylic powder dipped in layers to build a durable coating. No UV or LED lamp is needed. Dip manicures last 3 to 4 weeks and are considered gentler on the natural nail than acrylics.

Question 5

What are gel-x nails?

Accepted Answer

Gel-x nails are soft gel nail extensions developed by Aprés Nail. A full-cover soft gel tip is applied over the natural nail using a gel base coat and cured under a UV or LED lamp. Gel-x extensions are lighter and more flexible than acrylic extensions and last 3 to 4 weeks.

Question 6

What are builder gel nails?

Accepted Answer

Builder gel (also called BIAB, builder in a bottle, or hard gel) is a thick, viscous gel used to strengthen, extend, or sculpt nails. It cures under a UV or LED lamp, providing a semi-rigid overlay that protects the natural nail while adding length and structure.

Question 7

What are fingernails made of?

Accepted Answer

Fingernails are made of a hardened protein called keratin, the same protein that forms hair and the outer layer of skin. The visible nail plate is composed of dead keratinized cells layered in sheets. The living part of the nail is the matrix, hidden beneath the base of the nail, where new cells are produced. Nails grow an average of 3 millimeters per month.

Question 8

What is a shellac manicure?

Accepted Answer

A shellac manicure is a nail service using CND Shellac, a hybrid polish that combines regular nail polish with gel. The polish is applied in thin layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp after each coat. A shellac manicure lasts 2 to 4 weeks without chipping and is removed by soaking in acetone. It does not add length, thickness, or extensions to the nail.

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